The accreditation is a self-directed course where users study course content, watch training videos and complete a variety of activities and assessments. The unique concept of the accreditation is that the activities will encourage participants to build engaging teaching and learning resources that they can use with their learners as they progress through the course.
Participants are supported by local ‘itslearning champions’ who will have had formal training at itslearning courses. These itslearning champions will usually be more advanced users of the VLE and will provide a support mechanism for their colleagues using the accreditation course materials as tools to develop the skills of their colleagues too. As the accreditation is progressed through, a strong core of accredited practitioners will emerge that will develop the rest of the users in the school to achieve high levels of competence and an embedded learning platform.
The pedagogical course has four levels; bronze, silver, gold and platinum. Itslearning recommends six months for each level allowing individuals to work at their own pace. The accreditation is a ‘holistic’ approach rather than a pass or fail concept, so as practitioners learn they are simultaneously creating resources and activities to use in their next lesson. The completion of the course is not only on the individual tasks being completed, but is also based on individual reflection and personalisation.
Upon completion of each level, certificates are awarded in recognition of Professional Development.